# Integration Question

1. Sep 2, 2010

### MHD93

Hi

When we use the integration by parts to find the integral of xcosx dx, we assume that cosx dx = du and integrate both sides to find u
When we integrate
du = cosxdx
we find that u = sinx
the question is why don't we take the integration constant C into account?

2. Sep 2, 2010

### Petr Mugver

You can take it into account if you want, you'll get the same result (except for a final integration constant of course), so it's usually better to assume this constant zero in the intermediate steps.

3. Sep 2, 2010

### MHD93

But it may or mayn't be zero, therefore the final integration is different if it's not zero.

4. Sep 2, 2010

### MHD93

I indeed am in need of your help

5. Sep 2, 2010

### phyzguy

The point is that it cancels out. Without the integration constant:
$$\int{udv} = uv-\int{vdu}$$
With the integration constant:
$$\intudv = u(v+C)-\int{(v+C)du} = uv+uC-\int{vdu}-C\int{du} = uv +uC-\int{vdu}-uC = uv-\int{vdu}$$

6. Sep 2, 2010

### MHD93

Wow, that's real helpful, thank you

7. Sep 20, 2010

### paulfr

For this integrand it is much better to let u = x and dv = Cos x
Your choice will work too, but if x is raised to a power the clear choice is
u = x^n and dv = Cos x
This integral is also best done with Tabular Integration By Parts

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